Mastervolt keeps electrics running the Volvo Ocean Race

Mastervolt’s technologically advanced systems and rugged components have proven their reliability throughout the Volvo Ocean Race, for which the company is the official electrical supplier.

As the Volvo Ocean Race battles on, engineers from Mastervolt have continued to monitor electrical performance. Each power generation system has stood up to the harsh conditions including a hot, spray-laden atmosphere, heavy condensation, and sudden impacts.
“During Leg 1, we noticed that a few of the teams could optimise their use of the technology,” said Dennis de Beer, Mastervolt, who has monitored and checked the systems at each port.
“Many of the sailors have spent years racing vessels that have traditional electrical components. The move to an integrated system that optimises power management took time for them to become accustomed to and to learn all of the features available to them,” he added.
At each stopover, Mastervolt engineers draw valuable data from the system for analysis and advise each crew how to get the best from the short recharging cycles and the features of the onboard system.
“During the first service schedule at Cape Town, all of the teams were very impressed with the equipment,” Mr de Beer said. “We had virtually no issues, and spent most of our time simply tweaking the systems. The main request was to remove the audible alarm for the charge sequence, as this could wake any sleeping off-watch crew.”
The improvements worked, and Leg 2 went without a hitch. “Despite the extremely challenging environment, with high ambient temperatures, little or no wind, and very high humidity, all the teams were happy,” he added. “These conditions put a huge strain on power equipment, especially as most standard components will start shutting down or de-rating once the temperature nudges 400C. At Mastervolt, we design components to cope with these extremes, and they really proved themselves on this leg.”
The Mastervolt system was also chosen because of its minimal cable runs, which lighten the vessel and the fast recharging ability of Lithium Ion Ultra batteries.